The Viewbank College Acceleration and Enhancement (AE) Program is for students who are enrolled at Viewbank College and is designed to offer gifted and talented learners who have been identified as very capable, committed and enthusiastic the opportunity to work in a challenging and stimulating environment with students of similar ability. Suitable students will have academic skills above those of their age peer group.
The Acceleration and Enhancement Program features:
- A study structure that is fast paced and non-repetitive, thus covering traditional curriculum in a shorter amount of time
- Opportunity for students to work independently and collaboratively to achieve their academic potential
- Opportunity for students to study more abstract, complex, and in-depth content within a subject area
- Expectation for students to participate in the wide range of enrichment activities offered at the College
- The connection, support and stimulation offered by a class of like-minded peers
Structure
Students in the Acceleration and Enhancement Program may undertake a learning program that differs from mainstream classes in that their studies will be compacted over the first 3 years of their secondary schooling, allowing students to undertake a broader range of VCE subjects and maximise their achievement.
| Year 7 | Year 7 Enhanced and some Year 8 curriculum | Health & PE/Languages and Arts & Technology at level |
| Year 8 | Year 8 Enhanced and some Year 9 curriculum | Health &PE/Languages and Arts & Technology at level |
| Year 9 | Year 9 Enhanced and some Year 10 curriculum | Yr 9 electives at level |
| Year 10 | A mixture of Year 10 Enhanced & Year 11 VCE subject (depending on readiness for VCE) | If appropriate, Unit 1 & 2 subject. If appropriate, Year 10 Enhanced English and Year 10 Enhanced Maths Year 10 electives |
| Year 11 | Unit 1 & 2 and Unit 3 & 4 (if appropriate) | Breadth, extension |
| Year 12 | Unit 3 & 4 | Strongest subjects |
Selection
Students in this program will be encouraged and are expected to be involved in a range of College activities such as sport, the College production, debating STEAM and music. They are also expected to be involved in several competitions and programs.
The selection processes are designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. These tests provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have the appropriate academic skills to allow them to benefit from an accelerated curriculum. Students sit four multiple choice tests (Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension & Mathematics) and complete a written expression piece. Applicants who gain suitable test scores across the whole range of skills tested will be interviewed. Information may also be sought from the student’s primary school as deemed necessary.
A class of 25 students will be selected, and parents/carers will receive a letter advising whether their child has been offered a place in this class later in the year. This program is both challenging and rewarding, thus it is essential that students have a high level of maturity and commitment and be capable of independent learning. It is important that parents/carers do not pressure students unduly to participate in the program. The motivation to be involved should come from the student.
It is important to understand that an Acceleration Enhancement Program will not suit every student who is academically talented and that many parents/carers do not want their student to be accelerated. Viewbank College recognises that there is a need to extend and enhance all students, particularly those talented and highly motivated students in mainstream classes.
Review
Continuation in the special program will be dependent on satisfactory work habits and progress in all studies. Students are closely monitored throughout the year. The progress of each student will be reviewed at the conclusion of each semester and parents/carers, and the student will be consulted should there be concerns over the student’s progress. It is possible a student may wish to leave the program and join peers in mainstream classes. However, parents/carers and the student would need to discuss this with the College.
Placement Testing for 2027
Our testing for the 2027 Acceleration and Enhancement Placement will take place at Viewbank College:
| Date: | Saturday 22nd August, 2026 |
| Time: | 10.00am |
| Registration fee: | $105.00 |
| Closing Date: | Friday 14th August, 2026 |
Should you have further enquiries about the program please contact:
Penelope Cleghorn
- Phone: 8458 2811 or
- Email: Penelope.Cleghorn@education.vic.gov.au